DE202019103835U1 - Container and cut - Google Patents

Abstract

Container, in particular for used medical instruments, comprising:
- a floor,
- a lid (15), and
- A plurality between the bottom and the lid (15) arranged side walls (10,11,12,13), wherein in the lid (15) is provided a closable insertion opening (20) for insertion of medical instruments, and
the container being formed from at least one flat blank (50) of foldable material having contiguous portions defining the bottom (bottom portions 70, 72, 74), the lid (lid portions 100, 102, 104), and the sidewalls ( Wall sections 51, 52, 53, 54);
characterized in that the flat blank (50) for each corner of the container, on which each two side walls and a lid or a bottom collide, has a transition portion (80, 81, 105, 106) which directly with at the respective corner of Container colliding portions of the blank (50) is connected, which are not directly connected to each other.

Description

The invention relates to a container, in particular for used medical instruments, comprising: a bottom, a lid, and a plurality of disposed between the bottom and the lid side walls, wherein in the lid a closable insertion opening for insertion of medical instruments is provided, and wherein the container is formed from at least one flat blank of a foldable material having contiguous portions forming the bottom (bottom portion), the lid (lid portion), and the side walls (wall portions).

The medical care of patients regularly generates waste in the form of used medical instruments that must be disposed of. These include, but are not limited to, syringes, cannulas, lancets, scalpels or similar pointed or sharp objects. This waste has mostly been in contact with body fluids of a patient and therefore represents a significant risk of infection.

In order to avoid accidents, it is prescribed to dispose of appropriate medical instruments after use in special collection containers, which meet certain safety requirements. The containers must prevent accidental puncture of the container wall by internal instruments as well as the accidental intervention by a user. In addition, the containers should be sufficiently liquid-tight to prevent leakage of infectious fluids.

In practice, plastic containers have been established here, which consist of a pot-like basic body and a lid which can be placed firmly on it. In the lid usually a closable with a cap opening is provided. Corresponding containers can be conveniently made by mass injection molding.

However, known containers have some disadvantages. For example, the production of plastic from an ecological point of view is unfavorable. In addition, these containers take up a relatively large amount of space in the storage because they have only limited stacking.

In other applications, containers have prevailed that consist of blanks of a foldable material, such as cardboard. These can be stored to save space in the form of prepared blanks and can be brought into their final form as needed with a few simple steps. They are therefore also referred to as folding cartons.

As a container for used medical instruments folding cartons could not prevail so far, since they do not have the required security against accidental puncture. Although cardboard can be made in sufficient strength to prevent the piercing of the walls themselves. However, folding cartons always have systemic weaknesses in the area of the container corners, which are not protected by sufficient material thickness against puncture. Liquid can also easily escape at these points.

It is possible to reinforce the corners of folding cartons, for example by means of suitable adhesive tapes. However, so reinforced folding cartons can no longer be laid flat, whereby one of the main advantages of folding cartons is lost.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a container which is improved in terms of the described problem.

This object is achieved according to one aspect of the invention by a container, in particular for used medical instruments, comprising: a bottom, a lid, and a plurality of side walls disposed between the bottom and the lid, wherein in the lid a closable insertion opening for insertion of medical instruments and wherein the container is formed from at least one flat blank of a foldable material having contiguous portions forming the bottom (bottom portion), the lid (lid portion), and the side walls (wall portions), which is further developed thereby; that the flat blank for each corner of the container, on which each two side walls and a lid or a bottom collide, having a transition portion which is directly connected to abutting at the respective corner of the container portions of the blank, which do not directly verbune they are.

In the context of the invention, a direct connection of sections of the blank is to be understood as meaning that the corresponding sections adjoin one another along a joint and merge into one another at the joint without material interruption. The joint may be pre-stamped or folded for easier folding.

In the embodiment of the container according to the invention, the respective sections of the blank pass over each other at all corners of the container uninterrupted, so that no weak points arise at which used instruments can pierce the container or leak out infectious liquids.

Preferably, the container may be formed from a single flat blank.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flat blank may comprise four directly adjacent wall sections.

Furthermore, the flat blank can comprise a connection section which is directly adjacent to a wall section and which is connected to a further wall section, preferably glued, for forming the container.

In this case, the connecting section can have approximately the same width as the further wall section, so that the connecting section and the further wall section essentially overlap over the whole area. In this way, a container is formed with at least one double-layered side wall, whereby the stability of the container is improved. At the same time a particularly secure bonding can be ensured by the large-area bonding of the sections.

In an advantageous embodiment of a container according to the invention, the flat blank may comprise two bottom sections directly adjacent each to a wall section which opposes the finished molded container, with the bottom sections at least partially overlapping in the finished molded container.

In this case, a first insertion tab can adjoin a first of the bottom sections, and a first insertion slot can be provided at the joint between a second of the floor sections and the adjacent wall section.

The insertion slot may be provided in the region of the wall portion which overlaps in the finished molded container with the connecting portion, so that the first insertion tab is arranged after insertion into the first insertion slot between the wall portion and the connecting portion.

Furthermore, the connection section may be followed by a third floor section, which overlaps in the finished molded container with the first floor section and the second floor section.

Due to the corresponding design of the container in the region of the first insertion slot is still safe and completely closed, since the first insertion slot is covered from the inside by the third bottom portion.

In a further advantageous embodiment of a container according to the invention, the flat blank may comprise two lid portions which directly adjoin a respective wall portion which oppose the finished molded container, the lid portions at least partially overlapping in the finished molded container.

In this case, a second insertion tab can adjoin a first of the cover sections, and a second insertion slot can be provided at the joint between a second of the cover sections and the adjacent wall section.

Preferably, the throw-in opening can be provided in the first cover section.

In an advantageous embodiment of a container according to the invention, a third insertion slot is provided at the joint between the first cover portion and the second insertion tab, and from the second cover portion and the adjacent wall portion can be cut on one side connected to the wall portion locking tongue, which in finished molded container is inserted into the third insertion slot to close the insertion opening.

In this case, the cuts forming the closure tongue in the wall section can be shorter than the second insertion flap. The second tuck then covers the incisions completely from the inside, so that here also no instruments pierce the side wall or liquids can escape.

In a preferred embodiment of a container according to the invention, the closure tongue may have at least one lateral projection in the region of its free end, which prevents accidental withdrawal of the closure tongue from the third insertion slot. In this case, the closure tongue in the region of the projection may be slightly wider than the third insertion slot, so that the closure tongue can be inserted into the insertion slot only under elastic deformation. The closure tongue is preferably shaped so that insertion of the closure tongue into the third insertion slot is facilitated by a run-up slope or start-up rounding, while preventing or hindering the complete removal of the closure tongue from the third insertion slot by the projection.

At the connecting portion may be followed by a third lid portion, which in the finished molded container at least partially with overlaps the first lid portion and the second lid portion.

In this case, the third lid portion may also have an insertion opening, which overlaps in the finished molded container with the insertion opening in the first lid portion, and the closure tongue may engage between the first lid portion and the third lid portion.

The insertion opening may have a notch at its periphery. This notch can be used to separate individual elements of a multi-part medical instrument, for example, to withdraw a cannula from a syringe.

The above object is achieved according to a further aspect of the invention by a blank for a container according to the above statements. With regard to the advantages and effects that can be achieved, we expressly refer to the above.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to some examples. In this case, the embodiments shown should only contribute to a better understanding of the invention, without limiting it.

• 1: Einen Behälter,
• 2: einen Zuschnitt für einen Behälter gemäß 1,
• 3: eine Ausführung einer Einwurföffnung,
• 4: einen modifizierten Behälter.

Show it:

• 1 Photo: A container,
• 2 : a blank for a container according to 1 .
• 3 : an embodiment of a throw-in opening,
• 4 : a modified container.

1 shows a container 1 in three-dimensional view. The container 1 consists of four side walls 10 . 11 12 . 13 of which only the side walls 10 . 11 are visible, a lid 15 , and an invisible floor 16 ,

In the lid 15 is a throw-in opening 20 provided, which partially by a locking tongue 21 is closed. The locking tongue 21 is on the sidewall 11 hinged and can with a handle element 22 be opened and closed.

The container 1 is from a blank 50 made of foldable material, for example made of high-strength cardboard. To improve the resistance to liquids, the cardboard may be provided with suitable coatings. Corresponding coatings are known to the person skilled in the art and are therefore not explained in more detail here.

The cut 50 is in 2 shown. Here, solid lines represent the outer contours of the blank 50 or those fully penetrating cuts. Dashed lines represent fold lines in the blank 50 which can be introduced by a suitable embossing tool. For fold lines, the surface of the carton and a coating applied thereto are usually not damaged. Dash-dotted lines represent lines of weakness in the blank. As opposed to fold lines, lines of weakness may also have perforations or cuts that penetrate the surface of the carton.

The cut 50 consists of four wall sections 51 . 52 . 53 . 54 which the side walls 10 . 11 . 12 . 13 of the container 1 form. To the wall section 53 closes a connecting section 55 which in the finished molded container 1 with the wall section 54 is glued to the side wall 13 to build. This is an area 56 excluded from the bonding, which will be explained later. The dashed border of the area 56 is for illustrative purposes only and is not a fold line.

The wall sections 51 . 52 . 53 . 54 and the connecting section 55 each border over fold lines 60 . 61 . 62 . 63 directly to each other.

A first floor section 70 closes at a fold line 71 to the wall section 52 on. A second floor section 72 closes over a fold line 73 to the connecting section 55 on. A third floor section 74 closes over a fold line 75 to the wall section 54 on.

Between the bottom sections 70 . 72 . 74 are transitional sections 80 . 81 intended. Here is the transition section 80 over fold lines 82 . 83 . 84 with the bottom section 74 , the wall section 51 and the bottom section 70 connected, and has diagonal lines of weakness 85 . 86 on. The transition section 81 is above fold lines 87 . 88 . 89 with the bottom section 70 , the wall section 53 , and the bottom section 72 connected, and has diagonal lines of weakness 90 . 91 on. The lines of weakness 85 . 86 . 90 . 91 may also be fold lines or additionally have perforations or cuts to the folding of the container 1 to simplify.

At the bottom section 70 closes over a fold line 95 a first tuck 96 on. In the fold line 75 between the bottom section 74 and the wall section 54 is a first insertion slot 97 intended.

A first lid section 100 closes over a fold line 101 to the wall section 54 on. A second cover section 102 joins over a fold line 103 to the wall section 52 on. A third lid section 104 closes over a fold line to the wall section 55 on.

Between the lid sections 100 . 102 . 104 are transitional sections 105 . 106 intended. The transition section 103 closes over fold lines 107 . 108 . 109 to the lid section 100 , the wall section 51 and the lid section 102 on, and has diagonal lines of weakness 110 . 111 on. The transition section 106 closes over fold lines 112 . 113 . 114 to the lid section 102 , the wall section 53 and the lid section 104 on, and has diagonal lines of weakness 115 . 116 on. The lines of weakness 110 . 111 . 115 . 116 can be similar to the lines of weakness 85 . 86 . 90 . 91 be executed.

In the lid sections 100 and 104 are throw-in openings 20 . 20 ' provided in the finished molded container 1 overlap.

From the wall section 52 and the lid portion 102 is the locking tongue 21 cut out so that they are one-sided on the remaining wall section 52 is articulated. From the tongue 21 is again the handle element 22 cut out in a semicircle.

The locking tongue 21 is on the wall section 52 over a fold line 120 hinged, in the example shown at an angle to the fold line 103 runs. The function of this angle is explained below. In extension of the fold line 103 runs a fold line 121 through the locking tongue 21 , the fold line 121 is in the range of the grip element 22 interrupted.

To the lid section 100 closes over a fold line 125 a second tuck 126 on. Outside the tongue 21 is at the transition from the wall section 52 to the lid section 102 a second insertion slot 127 intended.

At the transition from the lid section 100 to the second tuck 126 is a third slot 130 intended.

The following is the molding of the container 1 from the blank 50 explained.

First, the cut 50 along the between the wall sections 51 . 52 . 53 . 54 and the connection section 55 running fold lines 60 . 61 . 62 . 63 folded into a tube, and the wall section 54 is connected to the connection section 55 bonded. This is in the range 56 no glue applied. The wall section 54 is from the outside on the connecting section 55 glued. For the bonding commercial hot glue can be used. Other suitable adhesives are also contemplated, with particular attention being paid to resistance to moisture and solvents and disinfectants commonly used in the medical field.

The corresponding folded and glued blank 50 can be easily laid flat, so that a large number of corresponding pre-processed blanks can be stored to save space.

In a next step, the folding of the soil takes place. This will be the transition sections 80 . 81 pressed something inward, taking on the lines of weakness 85 . 86 . 90 . 91 wrinkles. At the same time, the floor sections 72 and 74 on the one hand and the bottom section 70 on the other hand folded toward each other, this slides the bottom portion 72 between the bottom section 70 and the inwardly folding transition sections 80 . 81 , To simplify this, the ends of the bottom section 72 be slightly beveled. The first tuck 96 will be in the first insertion slot 97 introduced and slides in the non-bonded area 56 between the wall section 54 and the connection section 55 , Small notches on the sides of the first tuck 96 Prevent these from accidentally leaving the first insertion slot 97 from slipping out.

The length of the transition sections 80 . 81 is dimensioned so that they abut each other after closing the floor about blunt.

Last is the lid 15 of the container 1 closed. For this purpose, first the locking tongue 21 bent slightly outward to the second insertion slot 127 release. Then we the lid 15 Similar to previously closed the floor by the transition sections 105 . 106 something inside, and the lid sections 100 . 102 . 104 be moved towards each other. This pushes the lid section 102 under the lid sections 100 and 104 ,

The second tuck 126 gets under the tongue 21 , which is still bent outward, in the second insertion slot 127 inserted. The length of the second tuck 126 is dimensioned so that these are the cut lines of the tongue 21 in the wall section 52 to the fold line 120 completely covered from the inside. Notches on the edge of the second tuck 126 again prevent them from slipping out of the second insertion slot 127 ,

The transition sections 105 . 106 as well as the transitional sections 80 . 81 dull together.

Last is the locking tongue 21 in the third slot 130 introduced. This will be lateral projections 131 on the tongue 21 , which are slightly wider than the third slot 130 , slightly compressed and stretch after passing through the third insertion slot 130 out again. The compression of the projections 131 is characterized by the rounded shape of the tongue 21 simplified, alternatively, a straight chamfer or other suitable contours can be provided here.

For inserting the locking tongue 21 in the third slot 130 this will be at the fold line 121 bent. This raises the handle element 22 through the break in the fold line 121 on.

The locking tongue 21 slides when inserted into the third insertion slot so far between the lid sections 100 and 102 that they have the throw-in openings 20 . 20 ' completely covered and thus closes. To release the opening 20 can the tongue 21 on the handle element 22 be withdrawn. The projections prevent it 131 that the locking tongue 21 accidentally completely out of the third slot 130 is pulled out.

When pulling out the locking tongue 21 this will be through her at the wall section 52 hinged end slightly deformed, thereby increasing the friction between the tongue 21 and the lid sections 100 and 104 , This effect is caused by the bending of the fold line 120 slightly reduced, leaving the locking tongue 21 easier to release or close the opening 20 can be moved. The fold line 120 but can also be parallel to the fold line 103 be executed.

For the stability of the container 1 during operation of the locking tongue 21 It is helpful that the out of the wall section 54 and the connection section 55 formed wall 13 of the container 1 double-walled. This shifts the center of gravity of the container 1 , in particular in the empty state, away from the actuating element 22 so that the container 1 less easily tilts forward when the locking tongue 21 is opened.

In the in the 1 and 2 illustrated embodiment is the insertion opening 20 shown around. 3 shows another possible form of a throw-in opening 200 , which at its periphery a notch 201 having.

The notch 201 Can be used to multi-part medical instruments before throwing into the slot 200 disassemble. For example, a syringe with attached cannula can be held in the insertion opening such that an edge of the cannula in the notch 201 under the lid sections 100 . 104 the blank engages. By retracting the syringe, the cannula can then be withdrawn from the syringe. The syringe itself can then be placed separately in the container 1 thrown in or, if necessary, continue to be used.

The in 2 illustrated blank 50 can be modified in various ways without affecting the properties of the invention.

One possible modification may be that of the lid portion 100 in the area of the fold line 101 a tab 210 cut out, which is set up and hanging the container 1 can be used. This is exemplary in 4 shown.

The cut 50 may be printed to depict warnings and / or instructions for use on the finished container. Such indications may include internationally standardized warning signs for biological hazards, markings for the maximum permissible filling, and / or instructions for proper disposal.

In the container 1 For example, absorbent material may be introduced before, during or after folding to absorb excess fluid. Additionally, it is conceivable disinfectant in the container 1 to reduce possible germ loading.

Claims (19)

Container, in particular for used medical instruments, comprising: - a bottom, - a lid (15), and - a plurality of side walls (10, 11, 12, 13) arranged between the bottom and the lid (15), wherein in the lid ( 15) is provided for closing medical instruments, and wherein the container is formed from at least one flat blank (50) of foldable material having contiguous portions defining the bottom (bottom portions 70, 72, 74) ), the lid (lid portions 100, 102, 104), and the side walls (wall portions 51, 52, 53, 54) form; characterized in that the flat blank (50) for each corner of the container, on which each two side walls and a lid or a bottom collide, has a transition portion (80, 81, 105, 106) which directly with at the respective corner of Container colliding Section of the blank (50) is connected, which are not directly connected with each other. Container after Claim 1 , characterized in that the container is formed from a single flat blank (50). Container after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the flat blank (50) comprises four directly adjoining wall sections (51, 52, 53, 54). Container after one of the Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the flat blank (50) comprises a directly to a wall portion (53) adjacent connecting portion (55), which is connected to the formation of the container with a further wall portion (54), preferably glued. Container after Claim 4 , characterized in that the connecting portion (55) has approximately the same width as the further wall portion (54), so that the connecting portion (55) and the further wall portion (54) substantially overlap over the entire surface. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flat blank (50) comprises two bottom sections (70, 74) directly adjacent to a respective wall section (52, 54) which oppose the finished container the bottom portions (70, 74) in the finished molded container at least partially overlap. Container after Claim 6 , characterized in that a first insertion tab (96) adjoins a first of the bottom sections (70), and that a first insertion slot (97) is provided at the joint between a second of the floor sections (74) and the adjacent wall section (54) , Container after Claim 7 and 5 , characterized in that the insertion slot (97) in the region of the wall portion (54) is provided, which overlaps in the finished molded container with the connecting portion (55), so that the first insertion tab (96) after insertion into the first insertion slot ( 97) between the wall portion (54) and the connecting portion (55) is arranged. Container after one of the Claims 6 to 8th , characterized in that adjoining the connecting portion (55) is a third bottom portion (72) which overlaps in the finished molded container with the first bottom portion (70) and the second bottom portion (72). A container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flat blank (50) comprises two lid portions (100, 102) directly adjacent to a respective wall portion (54, 52) which oppose the finished container the lid portions (100, 102) at least partially overlap in the finished molded container. Container after Claim 10 , characterized in that a second insertion tab (126) adjoins a first of the cover sections (100), and that a second insertion slot (127) is provided at the joint between a second of the cover sections (102) and the adjacent wall section (52) , Container after Claim 11 , characterized in that in the first cover portion (100) the insertion opening (20) is provided. Container after Claim 12 , characterized in that at the joint between the first cover portion (100) and the second Einstecklasche (126), a third insertion slot (130) is provided, and that from the second cover portion (102) and the adjacent wall portion (52) one side with the closure member (21) connected to the wall section (52) is cut out, which in the finished molded container is inserted into the third insertion slot (130) in order to close the insertion opening (20). Container after Claim 13 , characterized in that the cut-off tongues (21) forming incisions in the wall portion (52) are shorter than the second insertion tab (126). Container after Claim 12 or 13 , characterized in that the closure tongue (21) in the region of its free end at least one lateral projection (131), which prevents accidental withdrawal of the closure tongue (21) from the third insertion slot (130). Container after one of the Claims 11 to 15 , characterized in that adjoining the connecting portion (55) is a third lid portion (104) which at least partially overlaps in the finished molded container with the first lid portion (100) and the second lid portion (102). Container after Claim 16 , characterized in that the third lid portion (104) also has an insertion opening (20 ') which overlaps in the finished molded container with the insertion opening (20) in the first lid portion (100), and that the closure tongue (21) between the first lid portion (100) and the third lid portion (104) engages. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insertion opening (200) has a notch (201) on its periphery. Cutting for a container according to one of Claims 1 to 18 ,

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